In Focus: Burton Albion

Norwich City round off 2017 with a trip to the Pirelli Stadium to face Burton Albion on Saturday.

City will be hoping to build on the Boxing Day triumph at Birmingham City whereas Burton are looking to end a run of eight successive defeats at home

Here’s our guide to what Daniel Farke’s men can expect on Saturday:

Key players Since Burton’s promotion to the Championship for the first time in their history in 2016, their general play has been built on being solid at the back.

This season has been no exception for Nigel Clough’s side and their wealth of experience in defence will be vital if they are to avoid relegation for the second season in a row.

Jake Buxton, Kyle MacFadzean and Ben Turner have been crucial at the back for Burton this year, helping the Brewers keep five clean sheets so far including one at Carrow Road back in September.

On average, Buxton and Turner (pictured) make over seven clearances per game and McFadzean makes around five per match.

Clough also has John Brayford, Tom Flanagan, Tom Naylor and Stephen Warnock to rely on as defensive options.

Burton may be the second lowest scorers in the division with just 17 goals, but forward players Lloyd Dyer, Lucas Akins and Marvin Sordell will provide the main threat to City’s backline at the weekend.

Form guide Burton have struggled at home of late, having lost each of their last eight matches in front of their own supporters.

Their last victory at the Pirelli Stadium came on September 16 with a 2-1 triumph against Fulham.

Since then, at home they’ve lost to Aston Villa, Wolves, Ipswich, Barnsley, Sheffield United, Sunderland, Preston and, most recently, Leeds United on Boxing Day.

Tom Naylor gave the Brewers the lead in the first-half but two goals in three minutes from Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe left Clough and his side still waiting for their unwanted run to end.

They’ve had much more joy on the road this season, winning their last two away fixtures at Bolton and Reading.

Previous meetingThe two sides last met in September with City, much like then, looking to build on a victory over Birmingham.

After an quiet first half, Jamie Allen had an early second-half effort at the back post blocked on the line by Ivo Pinto.